Colonial Unity

Despite conflicting race, class, and religion, by the eve of the revolution the American colonists had generally unified as a distinct people striving to parallel aspirations and futures. From the oppression of the American citizen’s rights by the British sprouted novel ideas of freedom and independence as a single nation. The American colonies were over 3000 miles and 6 to 8 weeks sailing time away from London. Colonizers began to feel separated from Europe and lost past influence from superiors, setting the stage and building up for inevitable revolution. Various acts and laws restricting trade, unjust taxation, and overall oppression of Americans to benefit England were passed throughout the 17 and 18th century. One example of this is the Declaratory Act, proclaiming that Parliament had the right “to bind” the colonies “in all cases whatsoever.” Countless Americans came together to fight a common enemy and progress towards a corresponding goal. The Stamp Act Congress of 1765 is one instance of this unity, in which delegates of 9 colonies organized and deliberated future actions for the greater good of their colonies; although largely ignored in Britain, it was step towards inter-colonial unanimity. When taxed without representation, American colonists made a huge step boycotting all British goods, and furthering them as a developing self sufficient nation by producing their own goods. Overall, when worst came to worst, all Americans were able to organize themselves, contemplate procedures, and proceed to an independent, autonomous society and mind set.